Cong no more strong contender for Speaker's post in J'khand

Ranchi, Oct 3 (UNI) With Independent MLA Stephen Marandi sticking to his gun over the Speaker's post, the Congress which is giving outside support to the Madhu Koda-led UPA government in Jharkhand, today said the party will respect unanimity on the issue and will not press for the post.

The Congress took the decision after confabulation with party high command Sonia Gandhi, political advisor Ahmed Patel and Ms Noor Banu, in-charge of Congress in Jharkhand, state president Pradeep Kumar Blamuchu said here.

The Congress' stand on giving outside support should not be seen as a ploy to corner the Koda government, Mr Balmuchu told a press conference adding the party's responsibility was to ensure to fulfil the promises of the UPA government in the state.

Mr Balmuchu said the party as per the high command's instruction would not press hard for the Speaker's post and added that if the UPA came up with a unanimous choice they would appreciate it.

However, the party would not mind taking care of the corporation and board, he said adding the names for the state UPA's steering and co-ordination committees would be recommended soon.

Asked about delay over cabinet expansion, the Congress president said the erstwhile NDA government had taken 40 days to present full 12-member council of ministers and indicated that the next expansion of the Koda Cabinet might take place within the next four days.

He also hinted that the RJD's final decision on taking part in the government could be known in a day or two.

Regarding expelled Forward Bloc MLA Bhanu Pratap Shahi, the Congress said it would not mind his entry into the Cabinet if he gets a bail.

The Congress has been strongly claiming for the Speaker's post with Mr Alamgir Alam's name being in the fore-front.

Mr Balmuchu, who had been appointed as officiating Speaker made it clear whatever he said in the conference as the state Congress President only.

Independent MLA Stephen Marandi, also the formner Deputy Chief Minister has said he would not accept any post except the Speaker.

UNI PRS KK SY KN2007